GUWAHATI: The Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express derailed near the Raghunathpur station in Bihar’s Buxar district on Wednesday night, claiming four lives and injuring over 70 passengers.
The ill-fated train had embarked on its journey from Delhi’s Anand Vihar terminal at 7:40 am, bound for Kamakhya, near Guwahati. The incident transpired at 9:53 pm, as reported by the Railway Ministry.
Eyewitness videos captured the immediate aftermath, showing overturned coaches and local residents, in tandem with law enforcement, engaging in rescue operations.
The swift and commendable response from authorities ensured that injured passengers were promptly taken to hospitals. The critically injured are currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS, Patna.
Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, reached out to the Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, concerning the accident. In a post on a micro-blogging website, Sangma conveyed, “Spoke to Sh @AshwiniVaishnaw ji on the #NorthEastExpress train derailment at #Buxar. He informed that all injured passengers are being taken to hospitals, and train services for stranded passengers have resumed.”
In a compassionate gesture, Assam’s Chief Minister extended condolences, stating, “My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the quick recovery of the injured. A relief train has been dispatched from Raghunathpur to Kamakhya Junction to ferry stranded passengers of Train 12506.”
To facilitate communication and provide necessary assistance, the Meghalaya government has launched a helpline, managed by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR). Concerned citizens can reach out at 1800-345-3644.
For Meghalaya residents needing emergency assistance, the state government has identified key contact points:
K Thabah, Meghalaya House Guwahati: 7896167945
I Kharmon, District Transport Officer, Ri-Bhoi District: 887003923
Richie Momin: 9615208771
Hubert Nongbri: 7005627065
